Below
is some information about the dietary supplement,
MSM
MSM (Methyl
Sulfonyl Methane), a natural form of organic sulphur found in all
living organisms, is present in body fluids and tissues. It is part
of the amino acid chain. Without the presence of the proper amount
of MSM in the body, the amino acids will continue to build the
glands but fail to produce the correct enzymes, so animals and
people are then prone to unnecessary illnesses.
MSM, an
odorless, white crystalline chemical, is an important dietary
supplement for people and animals. It is the beneficial part of
DMSO.
MSM is the
flexible bond between proteins. When a cell dies, a new cell takes
its place. However, without the needed amount of MSM, the cell
attaches, but becomes rigid. When tissues lose their flexibility,
problems develop with the lungs, joints, and other parts of the
body. Pain actually comes from soft tissue. Aspirin, for instance,
shuts off nerves, but muscles are still damaged. MSM takes out the
inflammation, permits the muscles to heal, and prevents them from
becoming sore.
MSM detoxifies
the body and increases blood circulation. It is also a free radical
scavenger, prevents overreaction to other medicines, controls
acidity, coats the intestinal tract so parasites lose the ability
to hang on, and helps to utilize vitamins and minerals,
thereby providing the means to derive the maximum benefit from what
we and our animals eat.
MSM is no more
toxic than water. If you overdose, the extra MSM becomes
inert and just passes through the system. It does have one side
effect: It will cause nails and hair to grow faster, so they will
have to be cut more often. There is more MSM in hair and
nail cells than in any other part of the body.
Because MSM is a natural
form of organic sulphur and to more easily understand why
MSM is so vital, it is important to know
more about sulphur. Sulphur is a mineral found in rather high
concentrations in body tissues. About half of the body's total
sulphur is concentrated in the muscles, while the other half is
found in the brain, hair, skin, and bones.
Sulphur has a vital relationship
with protein, since it is found in the amino acids methionine,
cystine, and cysteine. These amino acids are known as the
sulphur-bearing amino acids, which are considered the building
blocks of protein. The sulphur-bearing amino acid methionine is
absolutely essential to health. This means it must be supplied by
live, raw food or the food supplement MSM. A lack of
proper protein means a lack of the vital organic sulphur necessary
to good health. Proteins contain sulphur, while carbohydrates and
fats do not.
MSM is very
important to animals with hip dysplasia, or a predisposition to it,
because sulphur is necessary for collagen synthesis. Collagen is an
insoluble fibrous protein found in vertebrates as the dominant
component of connective tissue, fibrils and bones. Sulphur operates
as a synthesizer and activator with vitamin C and the B vitamins,
thiamine, biotin, and pantothenic acid, which are needed for
metabolism and healthy nerves.
Sulphur plays an important part in
tissue breathing, the process whereby oxygen and other substances
are used to build cells and release energy. Research indicates that
perhaps sulphur's most important health role is in carbohydrate
metabolism, which is significant for hypoglycemics and diabetics.
Sulphur is a significant component of insulin, the protein hormone
secreted by the pancreas that is essential to the metabolism of
carbohydrates. The lack of nutritional sulphur in the diet can
result in low insulin production. A diet that contains adequate
amounts of sulphur can increase the body's ability to produce
insulin to the point where insulin injections can be reduced or
discontinued completely.
The following information is from
the journal of the New York Academy of Sciences by Stanley W Jacob
and Robert Herschier, Department of Surgery, Oregon Health Sciences
University, Portland, Oregon. The following conditions seen in
people have responded to oral MSM generally administered at dosage
levels of 250-270 mg per day.
- Response to allergy. Oral
MSM moderates diverse allergic responses
as to pollen and foods. Anti-allergy medication and desensitization
methods were sharply reduced.
- Control of hyperacidity. Subjects
seen to be chronic users of various antacids and histamine H2
receptor antagonists prefer MSM by reason of relief obtained
coupled with freedom from serious, untoward effects.
- Control of constipation.
Particularly in the older population seen in our clinic, chronic
constipation can be a medical problem of concern. To date, over 50
subjects presenting chronic constipation have gained prompt and
continuing relief by supplementing the diet with MSM.
- Only a few people cooperated in
lung function assessments. All cooperated in endurance
measurements. Limited objective and strong subjective evidence
suggests that MSM is a useful dietary supplement to
reduce lung dysfunction.
- Anti-parasitic action. In vitro
and in vivo tests suggest MSM has an activity against a
variety of medically important parasitic problems. Thus far, work
has concentrated on parasitic problems of the intestinal and
urogenital tracts. MSM is active against Giardia,
Trichomonads and round worms. MSM may affect such infections by
competing for binding or receptor sites at the mucous membrane
surface presenting a blocking interface between host and
parasite.
It is not possible to directly
compare DMSO and the derivative MSM though of
the same chemical family. Each is unique unto itself. MSM is a
dietary factor derivable from most natural food. It is conveniently
taken alone or in foods. DMSO has certain unpleasant attributes not
possessed by MSM. While MSM is a dietary
factor, DMSO is not. DMSO readily penetrates the dermis and less
complicated membrane systems while MSM does not.
Each contributes to the well being of mankind, but in differing
ways. Both have important implications.
For dosage, you can take two, or
more of the 1,000 mg capsules, or the equivalent of the bulk
crystals (you can put the crystals in your juice) per day, with
some people taking up to eight or more, as they monitor their
condition.
MSM, as DMSO, can even be
used with your animals to be improve their condition.
Pat McKay: The reason I have
chosen not to use DMSO externally on cats and dogs is because they
continually groom themselves, and I don't believe there is enough
information on the effects of internal consumption of DMSO. Now,
with MSM, we have the solution, because it can
be taken internally. This supplement is of particular importance to
cats and dogs with skin conditions, muscle and joint problems,
lactic acid build-up from excessive exercise; respiratory ailments,
allergies and diabetes.
Suggested daily dosage:
Cats &
small dogs, 1/8 teaspoon
Medium dogs, 1/4 teaspoon
Large dogs, 1 teaspoon
For animals with severe or chronic
problems or, if you feel they should be receiving more
MSM than suggested above, please consult
your animal nutritionist or holistic veterinarian.
MSM may be added
directly to their food right along with their Pat McKay Bonemeal,
AnimaLife, Pure Comfort Aloe Concentrate and any other specific
supplements your animal may be currently taking.
Last Updated July 5, 1997
by Eva M. Martin
